Informal Youth Employment in the Mobile Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report shines a light on informal economic opportunities created directly in the mobile industry value chain. Between December 2020 and February 2021, GSMA Mobile for Development conducted interviews and surveys with youth in six Sub-Saharan African countries working directly and informally in the mobile industry.

The research assessed the drivers, working conditions, challenges, and benefits of these economic opportunities from the perspective of youth and other stakeholders, and will enable MNOs, policymakers, development organisations and industry leaders to find targeted solutions to the challenges youth face in building sustainable livelihoods in informal roles in the industry.